The basic toolkit

The Basic Toolkit

You don't need to purchase lots of new equipment to begin weaving; most of what you'll need to start your journey will already be in your home.

The Basic Toolkit

• Something to use as a loom. Its size will dictate the size of the pieces we can make. We will use two different shapes:
• Rectangular shape

We will start with a rectangular loom. This could be an old picture frame, such as the frame from a mirror you no longer need or a canvas stretcher.

• Circular shape

You could use an embroidery hoop or the inside of an unused lampshade.

• Warp yarn

Thin cotton string is suitable. Alternatively, you could use household string or a more specialist weaving yarn.

• Weft yarn

This is thicker than the warp, such as knitting yarn or strips of fabric.

• Scissors
• Ruler or measuring tape
• Permanent marker
• Needle

Ideally use a tapestry needle. If not, a crochet hook could work.

• A couple of shuttles

A shuttle is a tool that helps to weave the weft into the warp. You can use your hands as a shuttle if you aren't able to find something to use.

• Sticks to set up your loom

I use the shuttles to do this, but you could use any wooden stick, as long as it fits within your frame.

• Fork

The heavier the better.

Optional Specialised Equipment:

• frame loom with a rotating heddle bar
• circular frame loom with grooves
• wooden weaving needles in a few different sizes
• thread snip scissors
• pair of clamps.